The Uruguay international, who has hit 19 goals in just 12 Premier League outings this season, had looked destined to leave Anfield in the summer, after stating his desire to play Champions League football.

However, Liverpool stood firm and the former Ajax man performed a dramatic u-turn on Friday by putting pen to paper on a lucrative long-term deal.

Lucas told LFC TV: "What he is doing this season and what he has done in the past few seasons he deserved that (his new contract). We can see he is really comfortable playing here.

"It (the new deal) is a positive message because the owners (Fenway Sports Group) and manager (Brendan Rodgers) said they want to keep their best players and at the moment he is not only our best player but the best player in the league.

"Hopefully he will maintain this form for a long time for the club."

Liverpool will stay top of the table if Arsenal fail to beat Chelsea on Monday night.